DP World launches intermodal business

Major stevedoring company DP World has established DP World Logistics, to deliver intermodal port and rail services, in a move it described as creating “a new force in Australia’s transport network”.

The announcement represents a push into the landside logistics sector for DP World, the Dubai-based global ports group which has terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

DP World Logistics Australia will also see new business Botany Intermodal housed within it.

Connected to the Southern Sydney Freight Line and covering 15.3 hectares, DP World says Botany Intermodal will be Port Botany’s only fully-integrated container logistics park.

The global stevedore said the move into landside logistics was part of a long-term strategy to move beyond the port gate, offering efficiencies to customers and other stakeholders in the supply chain.

“As a critical link in the cargo logistics chain, we’re growing our Australian business in a way that makes sense,” DP World chief executive Paul Scurrah said on Tuesday. “This new intermodal business aligns with our plans to develop operations that complement DP World Australia’s stevedoring business.”

Mark Hulme will run DP World Logistics Australia, as chief operating officer logistics.

“DP World Logistics Australia will offer fast and efficient container coordination, movement, cleaning, repairs, refurbishment and storage services to customers who are transiting container freight into and out of the terminals,” Hulme said.

“Botany Intermodal is connected to the Southern Sydney Freight Line, which will drive improved rail efficiency and speed of service for adjacent stevedoring operations. This opens the opportunity for rail operators to load empties within the port precinct.

“As the nation’s largest container stevedore, we are confident we can further develop our strong stakeholder relationships and continue to build value for DP World Australia’s customers.”

Botany Intermodal will operate out of two locations: Park 1, at 1890 Botany Road (formerly known as Sydney Haulage) and Park 2, at Bumborah Point (also formerly known as Smith Brothers).